As a left-leaning independent voter, it is my opinion that the failure to separate church and state is the beginning of America's demise.
Up until 1989 and the founding of the Christian Coalition by Marion Gordon and Pat Robertson, the separation of church and state worked well. However, Robertson was dedicated to advancing the religious right's agenda through church-based political action and the endorsement of the Republican Party and the evangelical community.
Despite being a tax-exempt organization, the coalition placed voter guides in churches in favor of GOP candidates. The push was for the GOP to become the party for life. The hope was that most church-going believers would vote Republican through fear of eternal damnation.
Since then we've seen shrinking congregations, church consolidation, and a more divided America than ever before.
Now, thanks to the evangelical and religious right's drinking of the Kool-Aid, through religion we have a pro-life president who has spoken more than 4,000 mistruths to date, paid off a porn star and playmate, used the Lord's name in vain, supported former Chief Justice Roy Moore, and divided America rather than uniting it.
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It is my opinion that if the churches ever experience a growing revival it will occur through not alienating believing Democrats and Republicans by posting "pray-to-end abortion" signs in front of the Lord's house. Instead, rather than dividing, churches will make all feel like welcome and comfortable united believers.
Rather than divide folks over the Sixth Commandment why not speak on Proverbs 6. Of the seven things God hates, six fit this president and the religious right; and the church delivered us this man.
Tim Kaspari
Wrenshall
